Preston Haskell, founder of the Jacksonville-based global architecture, engineering and construction firm Haskell Co., is pledging $400,000 to establish the Haskell Archive at the Casket Factory at 318 Palmetto St. near the Downtown Sports Complex.
The gift will support renovation of the second floor of the three-story structure, built in 1920 next to the former St. Luke’s Hospital that is now the Jacksonville Historical Society offices.
“This is an extraordinary event in the life of this organization, and indeed in the work of public history in this city,” said Alan Bliss, CEO of the society, in a news release.
“I am aware of no previous gift of similar scale that was aimed at the preservation and public representation of Jacksonville’s history. In the 92-year existence of the JHS, Mr. Haskell’s donation will be the largest single monetary gift to date.”
The nonprofit society also received a $50,000 gift from the Clifford and LaVonne Graese Foundation, also intended for the renovation of the Florida Casket Co. building.
The foundation’s president, Diane Graese, directed the donation, noting that the organization does not accept grant requests.
Bliss said both Graese and Haskell’s support for the work of the Jacksonville Historical Society “is a resounding vote of confidence in the value of history, and the work that we do. We are honored, as well as inspired, by these actions.”
The gifts build upon financial support received from the Delores Barr Weaver Foundation, the city of Jacksonville and other donors, Bliss said.
The next steps for the project include review and approval of the build-out plan and application for building permits.
Kate Hallock of the Jacksonville Historical Society said Nov. 23 that a music museum featuring Northeast Florida artists, announced in 2020, is still planned for the first floor of the building.
"We are diligently acquiring oral history interviews with many of the local musicians, promoters and event managers," she said in an email.
An event venue is planned for the third floor.